Need Assessment and Development of a Mobile-based Medication Dosage Calculation Application for ICU nurses

Abstract

Background Medication dosage calculation errors are among the most common errors of nurses in intensive care unit (ICU). Information technologies, particularly mobile devices, can advance drug dosage calculation processes. The objective of this study was to develop a medication dosage calculation application for nurses in intensive care units. Methods This study was performed in the ICUs of teaching hospitals in Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2018. First, a need assessment survey of nurses was conducted to determine the required features of the application. As well two specialists were interviewed to determine the medications used in the ICUs. Second, a medication dosage calculation application was developed using formative usability testing. Results Overall, 80% of the participants (n=120) answered the need assessment questionnaire. Of 29 features determined in the needs assessment, 19 were selected to develop the application. Moreover, 25 medications were selected by specialists and participants for the development of the application and its prototype. The usability test of the prototype found 15 problems. After fixing these problems 2 problems were identified, which were fixed in the final version. Conclusion According to the participants, development of the medication dosage calculation application increases the accuracy of drug dosage and reduces the errors. The user-identified features were developed in-app. User-centered usability testing in this study improved development based on needs of users. The method used in this study can be used by developers of health applications to develop applications which are consistent with user needs.

The effect of mLearning on motivation in the Continuing Professional Development of nursing professionals: A Self-Determination Theory perspective

“…[18] Such motivation and self-determination can benefit nurse practitioners in the clinical role to expand and update the latest clinical guidelines and evidence. Still, a challenging problem with apps for clinical learning, as observed by the current nursing participants, and correlates with the literature [13,30] is the issue of app trustworthiness. NP seek verified apps that provide authentic information [40] that can be assured when downloading apps that are compliant with the Medicines and Health products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) [27] or the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety regulations.…”

“…The findings also indicated that using the mobile app created a perceived sense of safety, highlighting how the users enabled learning processes in the clinical practice to reduce clinical errors and access information promptly, supporting the finding by previous scholars. [19,30,31] Although much research has focused on using mLearning in NP, the notion of motivation was lacking.…”

“…[38] By addressing the user needs identified by the participants, mobile apps intended for clinical learning may lead to better usability and acceptance. [30] Considering Vygotsky's (1978) social perspective, as cited in Passey, [15] active learning occurs through interactions and integration, keeping the learner engaged. This suggests that digital technologies can mediate and support learning by creating inclusive opportunities [15] within the clinical setting.…”